WAFCON warmup: Ghana fire warning shot at Nigeria with four goals in friendly win over Benin

Ghana’s Black Queens produced a rousing second-half performance to earn a 4-2 comeback victory over Benin Republic on Thursday, just days before they face arch-rivals Nigeria in a highly anticipated warm-up ahead of the Women Africa Cup of Nations, Soccernet.ng reports.

In a pulsating friendly in Morocco, the Ghanaians unleashed their full firepower and went wild with goals after trailing in the first half.

Nina Norshie opened the scoring in the 4th minute, but the Queens were soon pegged back and then fell behind to a spirited Benin side.

No small thanks to resting several regulars, head coach Kim Lars watched his team struggle with tempo and precision in the opening half. Striker Doris Boaduwaa endured a frustrating spell — missing a penalty and rattling the woodwork twice before the break.

However, the second half saw a dramatic shift in energy and execution. Alice Kusi brought Ghana level in the 55th minute before Susan Duah edged them ahead with a smart finish in the 70th. Chantelle B. Hlorkah then sealed the win with a fine strike in the 81st minute, capping off a statement performance that now sets the tone for Sunday’s clash with Nigeria.

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The much-anticipated Nigeria vs Ghana encounter on June 29 will be the final friendly for both sides before they open their WAFCON campaigns in Morocco next month.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Super Falcons have already landed in Casablanca following a goalless but spirited draw against Portugal in Lisbon.

The 22-player squad, bolstered by China-based Folashade Ijamilusi and U.S.-based superstar Asisat Oshoala, regrouped in Morocco on Wednesday.

Monday’s friendly saw stand-out displays from goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defender Shukurat Oladipo, and veteran forward Francisca Ordega, who impressed with their discipline and composure.

Nigeria, nine-time African champions, begin their WAFCON quest on July 6 against Tunisia at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium. Fixtures against Botswana and Algeria follow in Group B.

Since the tournament’s inception in 1998, the Super Falcons have never failed to reach the semi-finals, lifting the trophy a record nine times.

For Ghana, who finished runners-up in 1998 and 2002 — losing both times to Nigeria — Sunday’s friendly presents a golden opportunity to prove they are ready to step out of Nigeria’s long-standing shadow and mount a serious challenge for their first continental title.